The $0 Styling Trick to Copy From J.Lo and Sabrina Carpenter This Summer

Jennifer Lopez wore it to a dance studio. Sabrina Carpenter wore it in her new "Manchild" music video. A button-down shirt knotted at the waist might be the easiest thing you wear all summer, but somehow, it still manages to feel like a moment. Suddenly, a basic shirt turns into something with a little personality. Throw it on over a bikini, tie it, and call it a beach look. You could also wear it with denim shorts and sneakers for an iced coffee run.
The trick works because it doesn't try too hard. A crisp white or striped oxford shirt knotted loosely over your midriff says, "I didn't plan this"—even if you absolutely did. As a sunscreen devotee, I also love that it covers up your shoulders and arms from the sun without causing you to overheat or lug around an extra layer. Clearly, Lopez and Carpenter both know the power of a simple styling trick. Scroll down to see their interpretations of the easy-to-copy trend.
How J.Lo and Sabrina Carpenter Wear Knotted Button-Down Shirts
A post shared by Sabrina Carpenter (@sabrinacarpenter)
A photo posted by on
Shop Button-Down Shirts to Get the Look
Opening image: Getty Images

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Dated Shoe Trend That Magically Becomes Chic When Paired With White Jeans
Now I wish I hadn't donated my old pair.
-
In Istanbul, J.Lo Wore a Matching Set With the Shoe Color Trend That's Guaranteed to Make Outfits Look Rich
Money.
-
When Traveling to Europe, This Dress Trend and Heel Trend Will Ensure You Don't Look Out of Place
Take it from Jennifer Lopez in Poland.
-
At the Airport in Italy, J.Lo Ditched Wide-Leg Pants and Heels for These Elegant Skirt and Sandal Trends
Changing things up.
-
FYI: Fashion People in Spain Are Wearing This Elegant Pant Trend Instead of Wide-Leg Jeans
J.Lo approves.
-
Low-Rise, Lacy, and a Little Bit Delulu: Welcome to the Gen Z Pop Girlie Summer
Put your headphones (and miniskirts) on.
-
The Most Controversial Anti-Skinny-Pant Trend of the Year Is About to Be Everywhere in the U.S.
Jennifer Lopez is the latest adopter.
-
Step Away From the Black Leggings—This Is the Low-Key Legging Color Trend You'll See Everywhere This Summer
Jennifer Lopez approves.